Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

India has emerged as the third most obese country in the world after the US and China, according to the World Obesity Federation. The Economic Survey 2026 flagged obesity as a rising public health challenge across age groups, raising expectations from Union Budget 2026 to make healthy living affordable.

Key Findings on Obesity in India

• Global ranking: India is the third most obese country globally
• Social spread:
  • 76 percent Indians report at least one obese person in their close social circle
  • 42 percent report four or more obese individuals around them
• Associated diseases:
  • 56 percent obese individuals also suffer from lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, fatty liver

Causes of Rising Obesity

• Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity
• High consumption of fatty and ultra processed foods
• Urbanisation and screen based work culture
• Poor dietary diversity and nutrition awareness

Official Data  

• National Family Health Survey 5:Overweight or obese adults:
  • Women: 24 percent
  • Men: 23 percent
  • Children under 5 with excess weight: Increased from 2.1 percent (2015–16) to 3.4 percent (2019–21)

Health Implications

• Higher risk of non communicable diseases like: Diabetes, Heart disease and Hypertension
• Increased long term healthcare burden
• Reduced productivity and quality of life

Budget 2026 Expectations

Citizens expect Budget 2026 to:

• Reduce taxes on healthy food options
• Improve affordability of fitness and preventive healthcare services
• Discourage consumption of ultra processed foods through fiscal measures
• Promote lifestyle based prevention over drug dependent solutions

Why in the News?

The Supreme Court of India ruled on January 30, 2026 that menstrual health and access to menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in schools are integral to the Right to Life and Dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.

What the Court Held

• Right to menstrual health is part of Article 21, covering dignity, privacy, and bodily autonomy.
• Lack of MHM facilities exposes girls to stigma, humiliation, and exclusion.
• Menstrual poverty violates right to education by causing absenteeism and dropouts.

Key Constitutional Dimensions

• Dignity: Girls must manage menstruation without humiliation.
• Privacy and Bodily Autonomy: Choice cannot be dictated by lack of facilities.
• Equality in Education: Gender-specific barriers defeat free and compulsory education.

Important Observations

• MHM goes beyond sanitation to include decisional freedom.
• Unsafe practices or forced absenteeism undermine a dignified existence.
• Impairment of education has long-term social and economic consequences.

Directions Issued by the Court

• Functional gender-segregated toilets in all schools, government and private.
• Free-of-cost oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins, preferably via vending machines in toilets.
• Creation of MHM corners with spare innerwear, uniforms, disposable bags, and essentials.
• Sensitisation of male teachers and students to prevent harassment and invasive questioning.

Accountability Mechanism

• Government schools held accountable for non-compliance with Section 19 of the RTE Act.
• Private schools face de-recognition and penalties for violating prescribed norms.